Results 3,981-4,000 of 4,465 for speaker:Jim Walsh

Seanad: Health Bill 2004: Report and Final Stages. (16 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: Amendments Nos. 10 and 11 are related and may be discussed together by agreement.

Seanad: Northern Ireland Peace Process: Motion. (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I wish to join in the tributes that have been paid to the Taoiseach for the tremendous investment of energy and commitment he has put into the peace process. That has been recognised not only in this House but also by the various parties in the North. The Northern parties — particularly the SDLP and the UUP in the early stages — also deserve our congratulations. It is easy to forget that...

Seanad: Northern Ireland Peace Process: Motion. (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: It is not that long since David Trimble was in the Vanguard Party which, given what Vanguard stood for at that time, shows the transformation in thinking that has occurred there. We now have Sinn Féin and the DUP, and everyone would wish them well. It is difficult for both those parties which will have to bring with them trenchant supporters who are committed to past ideologies. It is not...

Seanad: Northern Ireland Peace Process: Motion. (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: If we want to go along the road to a united Ireland — and I am totally in favour of a united Ireland by agreement — then we must put in place the mechanisms that will enable us, first of all, to reach a mutual understanding. As regards the North-South bodies, concessions were made on Spy Wednesday, leading up the Good Friday Agreement, which significantly diluted the agreement. They were...

Seanad: Northern Ireland Peace Process: Motion. (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I would hope to share one minute of that time also.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I do not know why the Opposition cannot see the merit of this proposal. It seems extraordinary because it is apparent to any casual observer that to have gardaí standing at these locations, while serving a function, is not serving the function for which the gardaí were recruited and trained. These tasks could be adequately carried out by officers with far less training in general Garda...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I note the Minister's remarks in regard to the power of arrest, and it is important this would happen. However, he made the analogy that security officers in the relevant State bodies would have similar powers and be exposed to similar litigation to those engaged by private companies. Should they have an extra element of protection in this regard? They will train and operate on behalf of the...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: The dearth of merit in the argument from the Opposition can best be illustrated by reference to security officers at our airports, which are much more vulnerable and sensitive in a security sense than the locations identified in the Bill.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: The system works effectively to protect the people. Given events in the context of international terrorism, nobody would dispute that our airports are more sensitive and top class security is required. We undertake this with security officers, not with gardaí.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: If the Opposition reflect on this and if you, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, put the question, they will come to their senses and support section 114.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: Some people have used them.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: What aspect of the statute would the Senator remove?

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: This is interesting as it deals with breach of discipline. It refers clearly to discourtesy, prevarication, abuse of authority and so on. All are part of the disciplinary code. Perhaps the Minister might amplify those issues. Gardaí have a difficult job and, in general, carry out their duties with diligence, often putting themselves at considerable risk. It is important for the effective...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: In regard to amendment No. 129, is there an Irish translation for "ombudsman"? In terms of the preservation of the Irish language, it is important that we produce Irish words for such terms. The word "ombudsman" is perhaps understood in several languages but an Irish translation would be helpful. The Minister of State is more adept in the Irish language than I am.

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I support Senator Brian Hayes in his call for a debate in January on No. 2. Will the Leader let us know if she can bring forward the fundamental recommendation of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Law Reform that there be a resolution of this House and the Dáil calling on the British Parliament to support the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry in Northern Ireland to get to the...

Seanad: Order of Business. (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: We are one of the leading countries, we are top of the league in terms of contributions. We are short of the 0.7% of GDP target but it is still a good news story. I agree with Senator Norris that the M50 should be debated in this House. That debate should include the serious delays at the toll bridge that is so lucrative for NTR and the need to change that.

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: Senators Cummins and Tuffy are missing the central point here, namely that gardaí are tied up in these duties involving many gardaí and hours. Most people do not see that as the most productive use of Garda time and experience. Senator Tuffy said that when one goes to other jurisdictions and visits art galleries and so on one does not see the local police there. One sees special security...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (15 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: I will talk about the Courts Service in a minute. There is prudence in this section. For example, it mentions only six areas in which these security officers will serve. The list could be more exhaustive and the Minister should consider other areas and identify them on Report Stage. If the Minister is to implement this measure he should have provision to roll it out without having to come...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: While six agencies have been identified, the Minister might clarify whether gardaí are utilised for this kind of duty in other bodies when better deployment of their skills and time is possible. Will the Minister consider the extension of the list prior to Report Stage? The Minister referred to the powers of security officers. I presume they have powers of arrest. I think particularly of the...

Seanad: Garda Síochána Bill 2004: Committee Stage (Resumed). (14 Dec 2004)

Jim Walsh: As Senator Maurice Hayes said, it is important that the Minister, who is ultimately accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas, would be in a position to make regulations. It does not follow that he or she would decide on the individual promotions within the force. The amendment provides for the setting up of promotion boards consisting of three members, one of whom shall be a member of the...